‘Sarimanok’ Soars in New York: Philippine Ballet Theatre Wows U.S. Audience

NEW YORK — Philippine Ballet Theatre (PBT) opened the U.S. leg of its 5th international tour with a breathtaking full-length world premiere of Sarimanok at La Guardia Performing Arts Center on October 4, 2025. The performance drew an immediate standing ovation, with the audience erupting in gleeful applause and cheers of “Bravo!” as the curtain fell.

A Distinct Filipino Ballet Spectacle

Sarimanok showcased PBT’s signature artistry that fuses Philippine folklore with Western ballet technique. The company’s 22 dancers arrived from Manila only three days prior and spent intense rehearsals under artistic director Ron Jaynario and ballet instructor Anatoli Panasyukov, shaking off jet lag to deliver a stunning performance.

Teacher and blogger Ramil Buenaventura described the production as “the most spectacular show I’ve seen from Philippine Ballet Theatre in NYC,” praising its blend of ballet, contemporary, and modern dance styles. “The costumes were intricate, the props striking, and the electronic backdrops stunning. Every scene kept my senses alive,” he said, expressing hope that Sarimanok becomes an annual Filipino American History Month tradition in New York.

Community Pride and Cultural Connection

The New York staging was produced by the Foundation for Filipino Artists, led by John Kagaoan and founded by Aida Bartolome, with the Reginald Lewis Foundation (RLF) as this year’s major presenter.

Among the captivated audience was marathoner mom Bel Molina, who brought her daughters to experience Filipino culture through music, dance, and storytelling. Thirteen-year-old Isabella loved the tinikling scene in Act 1, while ten-year-old Anna called the magical bird “so cool” and adored the colorful costumes.

Philanthropist Loida Nicolas Lewis, representing RLF, enthusiastically declared: “Sarimanok ballet suite is better than Stravinsky’s Firebird. The choreography was unique, combining indigenous dance, gymnastics, and traditional ballet, with music that was eclectic and electric.”

Powerful Music and Women Leaders Behind the Curtain

The production’s impact owes much to Jaynario’s artistic direction and the all-original musical composition by Paulo Zarate, whose score blended indigenous drums, gongs, flutes, and kulintang rhythms. PBT’s female leadership—Marilou Magsaysay (President), Marichu Nepomuceno (Vice President), and Noemi Estrella Casino (Treasurer & Production Designer)—provided crucial organizational backbone and emotional support for the touring company.

Writer Nieva Quezon reflected emotionally, “The Sarimanok dancers transported me to a fantasy world. I thought of our Philippines—so rich culturally, yet often abused by its own people.”

Prelude and Upcoming Performances

Before the ballet, Filipino-American classical singers performed under Rogelio Penaverde Jr. and Dennis Bernardo, captivating audiences, including UN representative and disability rights advocate Priscilla Garces, who praised their exceptional talent.

Maria Garces, president of the Ecuadorian Foundation for Social Support, expressed gratitude for being invited: “The ballet was incredibly professional and beautiful. I truly appreciate connecting with your community.”

Sarimanok will continue its U.S. tour with shows at Patricia Reser Center for the Performing Arts in Beaverton, Portland on October 19, and at UCLA Royce Hall in Los Angeles on October 25.